Lead Cytotechnologist

Job Title

Major duties include:

• Attends FNA procedures, maintains FNA cart, prepares and stains slides according to established protocol ensuring adequate material is taken for applicable ancillary testing such as cell blocks, molecular testing, and microbiology. Performs ROSE assessments for FNA procedures independently.
• Performs diagnostic work by identification, localization and interpretation of cellular abnormalities and in so doing, makes diagnoses independently of the pathologist. Releases negative gynecologic cytopathology reports to the patient medical record and does so within established time limits.
• Provides direction to daily operations of the cytology laboratory and assumes responsibility for monitoring adherence to documented protocols and ensuring continuous workflow and quality within the unit.
• Monitors laboratory quality control systems and performance indicators.
• Analyzes, identifies, defines, and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of collected quality assurance data.
• Independently writes policies and procedures as needed for the overall operations of the Cytology laboratory and provide guidance to staff regarding these procedural changes.
• Monitors and makes work assignments, provides input on performance, resolves daily workplace issues, and maintains efficient workflow in the Cytology laboratory.
• Assures coverage of all areas of responsibility-fine needle aspiration biopsies, accessioning, processing, and screening to ensure that the workload is distributed and balanced for efficient workflow of the Cytology laboratory.
• Oversees the training of new employees to make sure new employees are knowledgeable, capable, and competent in all duties of the cytology laboratory ensuring all training requirements are met.
• Monitors pending consults to comply with VHA and facility guidelines.
• Has a full depth of knowledge of Word and Excel in order to independently create and modify documents as necessary.
• Ensures compliance with P&LMS policies and laboratory accreditation requirements, assists in preparing for laboratory inspections, and facilitates preparation of the documentation therein. Additionally ensures compliance with all regulatory agencies.
• Analyzes, collects, and monitors cytology data, including screening statistics and workload compliance according to the laboratory quality management program and established laboratory accrediting agency guidelines and uses laboratory data to implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Utilizes comprehensive knowledge of laboratory equipment to perform routine maintenance, document instrumentation quality control logs, and maintain instrumentation according to established procedure. Troubleshoots equipment failures and takes appropriate action to resolve issues.
• Maintains accountability for inventory of all supplies and acts as backup as appropriate for maintaining spreadsheet of all cytology products.
• Completes quality control and equipment maintenance logs according to established laboratory policy and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures, as well as performance improvement principles.
• Responsible for higher-level tasks in the investigation of equipment issues and failure after routine troubleshooting has occurred on instruments and equipment used in the Cytology laboratory.
• Contacts instrument-specific technical representative, biomedical engineering, and/or enters service request as needed to resolve and resume optimal functionality of equipment, referring to supervisor only when non-responsive or difficult issues arise.
• Ensures annual PMs are performed on all equipment as defined by manufacturer or laboratory policy.
• Assists in research of new equipment and developing equipment verifications and test validations as directed by laboratory accrediting agencies.
• Monitors the processing of cytology preparations and tracks mislabeled, unlabeled, or unsuitable specimens.
• Communicates, consults, and interacts with other members of the healthcare team in a professional manner.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 91715-0

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized